St. Philip Neri (1515 – 1595) was born in Italy and went to school as a child at the Dominican monastery in Florence. His family had hopes that he would work with his uncle, a wealthy merchant, and ultimately inherit his business and fortune but, shortly after beginning his work with him, Neri had a personal conversion. He decided to move to Rome to live a life of service.
 
For 13 years in Rome, Neri lived as a layperson, daily engaged in prayer and the apostolate. Even as a layperson he brought the Gospel of Jesus to everyone he met. He was eventually ordained to the priesthood and became known as a compassionate confessor, quick to disarm those around him with a joke or a kind word.
 
He is remembered as extremely approachable and jovial. He was kind, entertaining, and spontaneous in his approach which inspired many. He led prayer groups and excursions to visit other churches which often included music and picnics, and his council was sought by rich and poor alike. He was a strict vegetarian and was known to relocate animals and birds found inside the church back into the wild.
 
St. Philip Neri founded The Congregation of the Oratory. This secular order included priests and brothers and did not bind them under religious vows, but instead by a bond of charity. These men lived together in community and served those in need with happy hearts.
 
St. Philip Neri’s ability to increase his fellow religious leader’s faith coupled with his closeness with the common people in Rome cemented his reputation as the Apostle of Rome, called by God to evangelize the Holy City. His Congregation of the Oratory is still active today accomplishing the same mission. St. Philip Neri, pray for us!